Vacancy: Board Director and Trustee ABDO College of Education

Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Four years (renewable once)

Make a strategic impact on the future of optical education

ABDO College of Education is a specialist higher education provider dedicated to the education, training and professional development of Dispensing Opticians and Contact Lens Opticians. We play a vital role in supporting professional standards, workforce development and public protection within the optical sector.

As ABDO College continues to develop its provision – including the delivery of higher education programmes and the Level 6 FBDO apprenticeship launched in 2024 – we are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape our future.

The role

As a Board Director and Trustee, you will contribute to the effective governance, strategic leadership and long-term sustainability of the College. Working collectively with fellow Trustees, you will ensure that ABDO College continues to deliver high-quality, financially sustainable and professionally credible education that meets the needs of learners, employers, the profession and regulators.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring strategic insight, constructive challenge and assurance in an evolving higher education, regulatory and funding landscape.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from people with senior-level experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Higher education and academic governance

Apprenticeships (delivery, funding, quality or compliance)

Finance, audit, risk management or organisational sustainability

You do not need previous trustee experience, but you will bring strong governance awareness, high standards of integrity and a genuine commitment to the mission and values of ABDO College.

Key responsibilities include

• Contributing to the College’s vision, strategy and long-term direction
• Supporting and constructively challenging the executive leadership team
• Oversight of academic quality, apprenticeships provision and regulatory compliance
• Ensuring robust financial stewardship and risk management
• Acting as an ambassador for the College with external stakeholders

Time commitment

Four Board meetings per year (mostly in person in Birmingham or Kent, with at least one virtual). One annual joint strategy meeting with the ABDO Board in Birmingham

Preparation, training and occasional additional engagement

Overall time commitment is approximately 10 days per year.

Our commitment to inclusion

ABDO College is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to being an organisation where everyone belongs. We actively encourage applications from individuals from groups currently underrepresented in governance roles, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQ+ people.

What we offer

The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to education, professional standards and public benefit.

A supportive Board environment with induction and ongoing development.

Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to HR@abdo.org.uk. Further details about the recruitment process will be provided on application.

Closing date for applications 21 August 2026

Interviews to be held on 7 September 2026 at the NRC Birmingham